Double flow low-pressure steam turbine

A double flow low-pressure (LP) steam turbine with an LP section that can be engaged and disengaged from a drive train is provided, as are methods for its use. In one embodiment, the invention provides a steam turbine (200) comprising: a high pressure (HP) section (210); an intermediate pressure (IP) section (220) adjacent the HP section (210); a first low pressure (LP) section (242); a second LP section (244); a crossover pipe (230) connecting the IP section (220) to the first LP section (242) and the second LP section (244); a drive train (250) extending through the HP section (210), the IP section (220), the first LP section (242), and the second LP section (244); a device (254) for engaging and disengaging the second LP section (244) from the drive train (150); a valve (236) for alternately opening and closing a portion of the crossover pipe (230) connecting the IP section (220) to the second LP section (244); and at least one extraction port (222) for extracting a quantity of steam from at least one of the following: the crossover pipe (230) or an exhaust of the IP section (220).